Xiaomi is a brand that always injects added value into the release of their latest devices over time for the production of more innovative devices. Therefore, Xiaomi has now launched their Redmi 13 series which is said to be present with an offering of specifications, software and overall performance that can make it one of the best devices in its class. So in this article, I will share a review of the Redmi Note 13 5G based on my experience using it.
SPECIFICATIONS
Redmi Note 13 5G
6.67” AMOLED screen, FHD+, 120Hz
MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor (6nm)
2×2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 chip
6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55
Mali-G57 MC2 Graphics Chip
RAM 8GB RAM (+4GB Virtual RAM)
Internal Load 256GB ROM
Primary Camera 108MP f/1.8, OIS (Primary)
8MP f/2.2 (Ultra Wide Angle)
2MP f/2.4 (Macro)
16MP Selfie Camera
5000 mAh battery
33W wired charging
SIM/Telephony Dual SIM nano / 5G
NFC Yes
Audio Jack Yes
Waterproof IP54
Scanning System Fingerprint scanner on the power button
Selling Price RM 1099 (8GB/256GB)
DESIGN
I start this Redmi Note 13 5G review with its design which looks neat and looks stunning. In fact, what is more appealing about the design of this device is its light size, which weighs 173.5 grams and is comfortable in the hand. The shape is also thin with a thickness of 7.6 mm which makes it easy to handle and does not feel clumsy when holding.
But the design on the body of the device is nothing too special, where it comes with a flat back and sides but still looks solid and quality. There is also a matte finish with a shiny effect on the back of the body which adds to the cosmetic value of this Redmi Note 13 5G.
Then there are two camera bumps that are not too bulging with a square circle that looks like glass at the same time giving a sleek and sophisticated effect to the body of the device. The small black circle next to the camera bump is another lens to complement the triple camera feature and there is also a 108MP branding logo and another LED circle below it.
Although this is only a small added value to the design of the device but it has indirectly given its own aesthetic value to its design. Not only that, I personally like the body of the device that uses a matte finish because it not only makes the device look premium but also prevents fingerprints.
On the left side there is a power button and also a volume control. On the right side there is a slot for dual SIM cards. The arrangement of speakers and USB-C ports is at the bottom while at the top there is a 3.5mm audio jack and an infrared transmitter.
Redmi Note 13 5G comes with three color options namely Artic White, Graphite Black and Ocean Teal. The unit I used for a week of use was the Ocean Teal color which in my opinion looks more like green. IP54 waterproof and dustproof where it guarantees to remain responsive even in rainy conditions.
SCREEN
The 6.67" AMOLED screen and 120Hz refresh rate provide a smooth overall user experience and good visual experience. However, the lack of HDR support is a little disappointing but this disappointment can be remedied by the impressive refresh rate and always providing good smoothness throughout the duration of use.
But, I do not deny the lack of HDR support, making the color sharpness and contrast on the display a little low but not disappointing. The screen also comes with Corning Glass 5 protection which acts to provide better scratch resistance than the Gorilla Glass 3 used on the previous Redmi Note 12.
FINGERPRINT SCANNER
There is fingerprint scan support built into the power button. Can detect quickly without any problem as long as the finger is not wet
SOFTWARE & USAGE
Device software is definitely one of the most important aspects of a device user experience review. Therefore, this Redmi Note 13 5G uses the MIUI 14 operating system which is based on Android 13. However, I found that many unwanted game applications have been loaded. However, the application can be uninstalled if not desired.
Throughout the period of use, MIUI 14 is an operating system that does not disappoint and provides a smooth user experience and a neat interface. During the week that I have been using this device, I have not faced any lag issues even though I am running several applications simultaneously at a time.
PERFORMANCE AND BENCHMARKS
The device is also powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor chip. I don't want to say that all applications can be opened in a blink of an eye but what I can say is that the response speed remains stable and there are no errors. The MediaTek Dimensity 6080 processor chip used in the device can provide satisfactory performance capabilities but may not be able to meet the expectations of extreme gamers but for normal daily use there is no problem.
The device is also equipped with a 2×2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 + 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration paired with a Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. This Redmi Note 13 5G is also equipped with 8GB RAM memory and 256GB storage which I feel is a provision of enough storage space for normal daily use. Playing the first time on the device is also smooth and there is no lag issue when the game session is running. Once again I remind you that this is at a normal first play usage rate and not at an extreme usage rate.
Among the first ones I tested were Asphalt 9 and Call Of Duty. Overall, I was satisfied with the performance presented. The graphics quality on the first play was also good and the overheating issue did not occur.
To benchmark the device's performance, I used AnTuTu 3D and Geekbench 6 only because 3DMark does not support benchmark tests on this device. Here is a comparison of each benchmark I did with two other devices that have the same price point.
AnTuTu 3D
Redmi Note 13 5G – 414,290
Vivo Y36 5G – 368,767
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G – 400,999
Geekbench 6
Redmi Note 13 5G – 776/2019
Vivo Y36 5G – 648/1638
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G – 876/1972
CAMERA
As always, whenever I test a device and want to write a review about it, the camera part is my favorite part. Red Note 13 5G has a camera with 108MP and 8MP ultra-wide with an additional 2MP macro camera while the front camera is 16MP. The camera setup on this device seems to have been improved however it is not completely satisfactory.
Upgrading the main sensor on the camera which is 108MP should be able to produce images with better detail. The internal camera is 2MP which I feel will give joy to macro photography enthusiasts. But, I have to be honest here, for those who expect more for the camera capabilities of a smartphone, then this Redmi Note 13 5G is not an option that I can recommend. I say that because, the result of the photo capture is normal to me and the color is also slightly faded.
The result of the picture in night mode when the lighting is dim is a bit disappointing where the details of the picture are not really awake. The picture looks soft and dark where what I can conclude here, the ability of the camera for night pictures and dark areas is not that great even though the main sensor is equipped with OIS. Here is the reason why this device is sold at a cheap price because its camera performance is just average.
The front camera of the device comes with 16MP which is not satisfactory for shots in dark rooms or at night but the results are still good when in bright lighting conditions.
BATTERY
The device also supports 33W fast charging with a capacity of 5000mAh. It takes about 30 minutes to charge the device from 50% to 100%. For normal daily use, battery life can last up to two days. But if you use it to run programs often or watch videos for too long it will drain the battery percentage at a faster rate.
So, in my opinion there is no problem about the battery of the device despite the 33W charging but the battery is able to last quite a long time. Although the battery performance is quite good, the Redmi Note 13 5G does not support wireless charging.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
1x Redmi Note 13 5G
1x 33W Charger
1x USB-A to USB-C Cable
1x Matte frame
1x SIM Pin
1x Set of manual / safety book
CONCLUSION
After a week of using the Redmi Note 13 5G, in my opinion this device is worth owning because it offers performance for an equivalent price. Sleek design, solid build quality, ample 5000mAh battery capacity and satisfactory MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chip may just be less satisfying for those who like extreme gaming. The camera also does not disappoint and remains at a good level and is guaranteed to function as a good everyday device. Redmi Note 13 5G is now sold at a price of RM1099.
PRO
Satisfying performance of the Dimensity 6080 chip
Thin bezel
Good battery life
There is a 3.5mm audio jack
IP54 splash proof.
CONS
Charging is only 33W
No HDR mode support
Camera capabilities are just average.